The Featured Roast

Origin and Basics

  • A 50/50 blend celebrating familiar flavors with unique origins.

  • 50% Natural Papayo from Huila, Colombia (farm: La Cumbre, Palermo; altitude: 1700-2000 MASL; variety: Papayo; process: anaerobic natural).

  • 50% Dry processed natural from Da La Pin, Myanmar (co-op: Shwe Taung Thu, Ywangan; altitude: 1368 MASL; variety: Catuai).

  • Official tasting notes: Berry Compote, Gingerbread, Honey.

My Tasting Experience

  • This is honestly my favorite coffee I've tried from Nightswim, a super sweet cup with just enough balance to keep it grounded.

  • It carries those cozy, holiday-inspired notes without overpowering, making it endlessly enjoyable and one I'd wish they carried year-round.

Brewing Tips

  • Makes an excellent pour over for highlighting its sweetness and nuance.

  • A little too sweet for a stovetop moka pot in my view, but if you have a home espresso machine, it pulls a shot as smooth as butter.

Value and Recommendation

  • Price: $28 for 12oz, its high end but worth it for the quality and limited availability (seasonal, so grab it now while you can).

  • Perfect for: Holiday vibes or gifting to fellow coffee lovers seeking something special and balanced.

Single Origin Specialty

Origin and Basics

  • Sourced from the Yirgacheffe region in Ethiopia, known for its high-quality coffees.

  • Producer: Konga Cooperative (founded in 1975), purchased through the Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (YCFCU) and Interamerican Coffee.

  • Process: Washed, resulting in a clean, nuanced cup.

  • Unique Features: USDA certified organic; YCFCU returns 70% of profits to farmers for community projects like schools and clinics.

My Tasting Experience

  • This one's a standout for its bright, floral profile, it’s delicate layers unfold beautifully.

  • Tasting notes: White peach, jasmine, and tangerine for a sweet, citrusy lift that's refreshing without being overpowering.

  • It's got that classic Ethiopian complexity, making it a personal fave for when I want something lively and elegant.

Brewing Tips

  • Shines in a V60 pour over to highlight the florals and fruit—use water around 203°F for best results.

  • Also great as a cold brew for a summery twist, or even iced to amp up the citrus notes.

Value and Recommendation

  • Price: $21.95 per bag - solid for an organic single-origin with ethical sourcing.

  • Perfect for: Fans of light, fruity coffees seeking nuance on a reasonable budget.

The Grocery Get

Origin and Basics

  • Sourced from small farms in Sumatra, Indonesia, using the traditional wet-hulling (Giling Basah) process for that signature full-bodied character.

  • Medium-dark roast, 100% Arabica beans, certified organic and fair trade.

  • Official notes: Bold, earthy, low acidity, with hints of dried fruit, molasses, and chocolate.

My Tasting Experience

  • This one is out of left field compared to niche specialty roasters, but it's a fantastic everyday coffee that punches way above its price.

  • The rich, bold profile holds up beautifully even if it's not ultra-fresh (grocery store beans). Sumatra's earthy depth actually does better with a little age than most light roasts.

  • It's pleasantly smooth, not harsh at all, and one of the best value cups I've found.

Brewing Tips

  • Brews surprisingly well as a pour-over for a clean, balanced cup.

  • Really shines in a Mokka pot and brings out that deep, chocolatey richness without any bitterness.

Value and Recommendation

  • Price: Around $9-10 for a 13 oz bag, seriously hard to beat for this quality and drinkability.

  • Perfect for: Home brewers wanting reliable, full-bodied Sumatra on a budget. If what you want is a ‘coffee tasting coffee’ this is it.

My new Mokka

I snagged the Grosche Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker and I'm pumped, its stainless steel build edges out the Bialetti with superior durability, easier cleaning, and a handy burn guard to prevent hot-handle mishaps. At just $40, it's one of the best coffee investments out there. Grab yours and brew up some Moka magic.

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